2019 is such an important year in Vietnam – Russia relation. The two naitons will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on fundamental principles of the Viet Nam-Russian Federation friendly relations.

Ambassador of Ukraine to Vietnam Oleksiy Shovkoplias has taken office as the head of the Ukrainian diplomatic mission in Vietnam for eight years and a half. On the occasion of the Lunar New Year, he talks with Hanoitimes on bilateral relations as well as the role played by Ukrainians in Hanoi and the Vietnamese businesspeople who started up in the East European country.

Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Parvathaneni Harish said that he enjoyed shopping at Tet markets in Hanoi where unique traditional handicrafts, ceramic and brass items from various provinces are sold and these are not available during the rest of the year.

I would like to wish the people of Vietnam a wonderful Tet celebration with family and friends. I know that Tet celebrations also mean that many travel far and wide to reunite with family and loved ones. Whether travelling or not, I wish all Vietnamese a safe and joyous holiday.

The entries that reflect the environment through the eyes of primary school pupils and their different ways to protect the planet have impressed Ambassador of Denmark to Vietnam Kim H?jlund Christensen.

A constructive and fruitful political dialogue between the two countries has been established, trade and economic ties are progressively developing, there is a good dynamic in cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

The new Chinese ambassador emphasized the importance of trust in strengthening the bilateral ties, saying that once the two countries’ top leaders reach consensus in important issues, improvements would be easily made.

Vietnamese Ambassador to India Pham Sanh Chau shared his thought about the visit by Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on November 18-20. The goal of US$15 billion trade turnover between India and Vietnam by 2020 is fully achievable and that the two countries can confidently set a new commercial goal.

Vietnam has been Canada’s trading partner in the ASEAN region since 2015. "We expect that, with CPTPP, that trend will continue, it will allow more bilateral trade and investment," said Canadian Ambassador Deborah Paul.

Hanoi has been going through significant transformation over the last five years, however, there remain vast opportunities and potential for the city to further develop, according to Beketzhan Zhumakhanov, ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan.